Girard College
President
Philadelphia, PA
The Board of City Trusts is excited to invite nominations and applications for the President of Girard College. The Board of City Trusts seeks a collaborative, strategic, and visionary leader to serve as the next President of historic Girard College. Founded in 1848, Girard is a coeducational, college preparatory, five-day boarding school for first- through twelfth-grade students, located in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Girard’s student body of over 250 comes from families of limited financial resources.
Girard College was founded through the remarkable philanthropy of Stephen Girard, who built a business empire in the late 18th and early 19th centuries in shipping and banking, and who by the time of his death in 1831 was the wealthiest man in America. In leaving the bulk of his estate to endow the new boarding school, Girard intended it as a place to prepare students for advanced education and life as informed, ethical and productive citizens through a rigorous education program that promotes intellectual, social and emotional growth.
As the most senior executive position at Girard College, the President carries the broadest authority to act on behalf of the College and carries accountability for all college activities and operating results. The President provides leadership and direction for the organization and for all residential and academic education initiatives, programs and services to ensure the College provides the highest quality of college preparatory education for primary and secondary school level students. As the inspirational leader of Girard College, the President will focus time not only internally, but externally – leading and assisting in elevating the school to serve as a national model of urban secondary education while developing and strengthening deep relationships with local and national partners.
The next President of Girard College will join the school at a time of tremendous opportunity. Reporting to the Girard College Committee of the Board of Directors of City Trusts, the President will be a visible leader—both internally and externally—and will play a critical role in the future of the institution and positioning it as a leader in K-12 education. The President will provide key leadership in fundraising for the enhancement and sustainability of the College; implementing the strategic plan; increasing enrollment; and successfully managing collective bargaining agreements. The President will promote excellence in all areas of the school, including curriculum, students, faculty and staff, as well as continuing to maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment. Additional information about the position can be found at
The ideal candidate will possess a terminal degree, have the ability to drive outcomes through experience managing an organization, have a broad knowledge of K-12 educational programming and have a keen understanding of independent boarding schools and the unique student population at Girard, be capable in cultivating potential sources of financial support, and possess strong leadership skills coupled with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
We invite inquiries, nominations and applications. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until filled. Candidates should provide a curriculum vitae, a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the leadership profile, and the names and contact information of five references. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. These materials should be sent electronically via e-mail to Girard College’s consultants Oliver B. Tomlin, III, Khalilah J. Bryan Lawson, and Christine J. Pendleton at .
Girard College values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.